MLB SUPERSTAR DAVID ORTIZ MAKES 2018 ALL-STAR GAME DEBUT AS FOX SPORTS STUDIO ANALYST

World Series MVP 'Big Papi' Signs Multi-Year Deal with FOX Sports

New York, NY - Big Papi is back! Three-time World Series Champion, World Series MVP presented by Chevrolet and ten-time MLB All-Star, David Ortiz appears on FOX Sports as studio analyst for the network's pregame and postgame coverage, signing a multi-year deal. The announcement was made today by John Entz, FOX Sports President of Production & Executive Producer.

Ortiz contributed as studio analyst throughout FOX Sports' coverage of the 2017 postseason and will again be alongside first ballot Hall-of-Famer Frank Thomas, World Series Champion Alex Rodriguez and Emmy-nominated host Kevin Burkhardt. MLB on FOX, the Postseason won in the category of Outstanding Studio Show - Limited Run at the 2017 Sports Emmy awards.

"Big Papi brings a level of excitement and knowledge that balances nicely with Alex, Frank and Kevin," said Entz. "David is incredibly likable and has unbelievable postseason experience. And we think we're set in the hitter department."

Ortiz will contribute to FOX Sports' spring training, regular season, All-Star Game, postseason and World Series coverage. He makes his 2018 debut during the network's coverage of the 89th All-Star Game presented by Mastercard from Nationals Park in Washington, DC.

"I had a lot of fun working for FOX Sports during the postseason last year and am pumped up to get back in the studio with Kevin, Alex, Frank and our leader behind-the-scenes, coordinating producer Bardia Shah-Rais," said Ortiz.

Prior to his retirement, Ortiz made his broadcasting debut during the 2014 World Series, for Games 1 and 2, as a guest studio analyst for FOX Sports.

Ortiz entered the league in 1992 with the Seattle Mariners before he was acquired by the Minnesota Twins in 1997. With six seasons under his belt, the Twins released Ortiz in 2003. Shortly after, the slugger signed with the Boston Red Sox, where he had a breakout year as a designated hitter. "Big Papi" remained in "Beantown" for the rest of his professional career, serving as a driving force in the 2004, 2007 and 2013 World Series Championships. Averaging a .688 with seven runs scored, Ortiz also earned the 2013 World Series MVP title. The 10-time All-Star and seven-time Silver Slugger retired at the end of the 2016 season with 541 home runs, 2,472 hits and 1,768 RBIs. As a tribute to his success under their organization, the Red Sox retired Ortiz's jersey (No. 34) in 2017.

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX's wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX's interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.